Parkview Holistic Nursing certification prep
As opportunities arise, Parkview Holistic Nursing strives to provide nurses with additional education to influence the healing of a whole person. Holistic nursing was founded by Florence Nightingale. Her path taught nurses to focus on the principals of holism: unity, wellness and the interrelationship of human beings and their environment.
Holistic nurses recognize that they must integrate self-care, self-responsibility, spirituality and reflection into their patients’ lives. This often leads the nurse to greater awareness of the interconnectedness of self, others, nature, spirit and relationship with the global community.
Holistic nursing is recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a nursing specialty with a defined scope and standards of practice by which all holistic nurses are held accountable. Holistic nursing is based upon:
- A unique body of knowledge
- Evidence-based research
- Sophisticated skills
- Defined standards of practice
- A diversity of modalities from a broad range of health practices
- A philosophy of living and being that is grounded in caring, relationship and interconnectedness
How is our program different?
There are several great programs that will help you become certified as a holistic nurse. At Parkview our holistic nurse education pathway is open to the public. We offer a personalized, concise approach that is also affordable. We are perfect for any busy working professional who wants to explore holistic nursing.
Meet our instructors
At Parkview our Holistic Certification Prep instructors are nationally recognized and have helped build a comprehensive Holistic Nursing Program within our health system.
- Dave Johnson, PhD, RN, CNS-BC, LCSW, LMFT, employee assistance specialist, Parkview Health. Dr. Dave Johnson, known as Dr. Dave, is a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, board certified clinical nurse specialist in adult mental health and an internationally certified mindfulness teacher. He is a professor of nursing at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana. His clinical work has focused on psychological trauma, family therapy, anxiety, stress and holistic care.
Dr. Dave has expertise in executive/leadership coaching, organizational diagnosis and intervention, as well as community and corporate workshops. He has worked with more than 250 local and regional organizations with consultations, presentations and publications. As a husband, father, and psychotherapist, Dr. Dave weaves stories and anecdotes that reveal the nature of stress in juggling work and family and strategies for maintaining one’s sense of humor and perspective.
- Paula Thatcher ASN, RN, CMSRN, HN-BC, medical surgical unit, Parkview LaGrange Hospital. Paula serves as a holistic nursing trainer and leader to help promote self-care and educate employees on holistic therapies to improve patient care at the bedside.
- Jill Zahm, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, program coordinator, Parkview Heart Institute. Jill is the program coordinator for the Her Heart Program at the Parkview Heart Institute. Prior to her current position she pioneered the role of the nurse navigator at the Parkview Center for Healthy Living. Jill holds a master’s degree in nursing and is certified as an Advance Holistic Nurse and as a Faith Community Nurse through American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Holistic Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
View our frequently asked questions.
What are the different holistic nursing certifications?
There are four different certifications. Below are the certifications and their requirements:
Holistic Nursing Board Certified (HN-BC)
- Unrestricted, current U.S. RN license
- 2000 hours or 1-year full time holistic nursing practice within last 5 years
- 48 CNE hours in Holistic Nursing Theory, Research, Practice or related topics
- Graduate of nationally accredited nursing program
Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate Board Certified (HNB-BC)
- Unrestricted, current U.S. RN license
- 2000 hours or 1-year full time holistic nursing practice within last 5 years
- 48 CNE hours in holistic nursing theory, research, practice, or related topics
- Graduate of nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing program
Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified (AHN-BC)
- Unrestricted, current U.S. RN license
- 2000 hours or 1-year full time holistic nursing practice within last 5 years and a minimum of 500 hours at the advanced level
- 48 CNE hours in holistic nursing theory, research, practice, or related topics
- Graduate of nationally accredited graduate nursing program
Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified (APHN-BC)
- Unrestricted, current U.S. APRN license
- 2000 hours or 1-year full time holistic nursing practice within last 5 years and a minimum of 500 hours at the advanced practice level
- 48 CNE hours in holistic nursing theory, research, practice, or related topics
- Graduate of nationally accredited Graduate Nursing program
What topics are explored?
Through Parkview’s Holistic Nursing education opportunities, nurses will explore the following topics:
- Introduction to Holistic Nursing
- Holistic Nursing Practice
- Holistic Nursing Theory and Ethics
- Becoming an Instrument of Healing
- Holistic Self-Assessment
- Holistic Self-Reflection
- Creating a Healing Environment
- Leadership
- Holistic Nursing Research
- Therapeutic Communication
- Holistic Modalities (Music, Humor, Art Therapy)
- Aromatherapy
- Nutrition
- Mind-Body Healing
- Healing Addiction and Abuse
- Spirituality and Health
- Bodywork and Massage
- Healing Energy Therapies
What are the objectives of becoming a holistic nurse?
- Discuss the five core values of holistic nursing, holistic philosophy, holistic foundation and holistic nursing standards
- Learn holistic nurse theory and ethics, including how to apply it to your own practice settings
- Discuss why it is important to focus on presence as a foundation of care
- Discuss examples of the relationship of health to the natural world and the environment
- Explore the concepts of color therapy and its impact on creating a healing environment
- Discuss qualitative versus quantitative holistic research methods, therapeutic communication and health disparities with diverse ethnic groups
- Discuss how aromatherapy and holistic modalities such as music, humor and art promote healing with patients using evidence-based research
- Prepare students in the areas of whole foods nutrition, stress reduction, addiction and recovery, spirituality and healing, energy and manual bodywork
Do I need to buy books?
No, but we do recommend the following titles:
- Holistic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice
- Core Curriculum for Holistic Nursing
- Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice
For more information, resources and to apply, visit The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
Financial assistance
Parkview offers financial assistance to help nurses pay the certification application and testing fees. To qualify for financial assistance, you must be applying and testing for the first time. To obtain assistance, contact Johnathan Liechty, manager, Clinical Staff Development, Parkview, at [email protected].
Bringing holistic nursing to your workplace
Contact Sarah Weaver, [email protected] to discuss how to incorporate the Holistic Nursing Certification in your community or workplace.
Upcoming events
Parkview Holistic Nursing Certification Prep Course
offered one day a month for four months
Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10.
1 – 3 p.m. EST | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST
Via Microsoft Teams
The course will be held online to provide participants a great foundation in the essentials of holistic practice and explores integrative therapies. All classes are taught by certified holistic nurses.